Women Develoment

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Communities through Comprehensive Care and Support to Women Survivors

Prayatn with support from Azim Prem ji Foundation is working on a project  “Addressing Gender Based Violence in Communities by Comprehensive Care and  Support to Women Survivor”   in seven communities of South, South East, and Central Delhi. The goal of the project is to reduce prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) and provide survivors of GBV with appropriate services. Now in its fourth year, the project continues to raise awareness about gender-based violence. Positive changes have been observed with the establishment of Community Resource Centres (CRCs) and Help Desks. These structures have enabled the team to reach a larger population, better understand grassroots-level issues, and respond promptly with appropriate services and referrals. Community members now feel more informed and empowered to ask about their rights and the services available to them.

Another important intervention is promoting gender equitable relationships and services to combat gender-based violence through Two Crisis Management Centres and nine Mahila Panchayats. The Crisis Management Centres are actively working to prevent and reduce gender-based violence, while nine Mahila Panchayats are addressing family disputes in Ashram, Nizamuddin, Sarai Kale Khan, Madanpur Khadar (A1 Colony, Seth Vidyalaya, Babloo Dairy), Gautampuri, Sriniwaspuri, Harkesh Nagar, and Okhla Phase-II.

The Help Desk, in particular, has played a crucial role in resolving individual concerns by offering personalised assistance, including legal counselling. The increased awareness and access to services have led to a noticeable improvement in the socio-economic and legal well-being of the community, fostering a sense of inclusion, confidence, and self-reliance among the people.

Also, through capacity-building training, a positive change has been seen in women’s knowledge about legal issues. Women have started to understand their rights better and are bringing changes in their own areas. This awareness has also reached the younger generation, and many youths have come forward as volunteers to take steps in solving problems in their community. Along with this, women who are part of SHG (Self-Help Groups) have started small businesses by saving a little money. These small ventures have not only helped them become financially independent but also made them role models for other women in the community.